Cops: Motorcyclist arrested driving 166 mph on Thruway

New Paltz, N.Y. -- A motorcyclist was arrested today after state troopers saw that he was driving 166 mph on the Thruway, state police said.

Here's what happened, according to the state police:

Nikkolaus V. McCarthy

A motorcylist, later identified as Nikkolaus V. McCarthy, 25, of Charlton, N.Y., was seen traveling south at the high rate of speed at 12:45 p.m. by a trooper from Troop T, Albany, in the village of Ravena, Albany County. The trooper attempted to stop the motorcycle as it slowed for traffic ahead of it.

The trooper was able to obtain a description of the operator and the license plate number of the Suzuki motorcycle before it again sped off at a high rate of speed. The trooper decided not to pursue the motorcyclist because he was driving too fast.

The motorcycle's description was given out on the air and other troopers clocked its speed at various locations at 150 and 170 mph. Thruway maintenance workers also provided updates of its location and troopers were able to locate and stop the motorcycle when it slowed in traffic in the town of New Paltz, about 50 miles and 20 minutes later.

The driver pulled over and was arrested. He told troopers his motorcycle could easily go over 190 mph.

McCarthy was charged with third-degree fleeing Police 3rd, reckless driving, speeding and operating out of class, because he did not have a motorcycle license. He was arraigned in the Village of Ravena Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility on $20,000 bail pending further court action.